There are two types of metals- ferrous and non-ferrous. The basic difference between ferrous and non-ferrous can be identified by the presence of iron. There are many other basic indicators which differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous.
Ferrous vs Nonferrous Metals
Ferrous and nonferrous Metals have several differences. In the following table, the main differences between ferrous and nonferrous Metals are given:
| Ferrous Metals | Ferrous Metals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ferrous indicates the presence of iron in a bivalent state. | Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron. |
| 2 | As ferrous contains iron, it shows magnetic feature. | Non-ferrous metals don’t show any magnetic feature which means it’s non-magnetic. |
| 3 | Ferrous metals are less resistant to corrosion. | Non-ferrous metals are more resistant to corrosion |
| 4 | One special feature of ferrous metals is it possesses high tensile strength and durability. | One special feature of non-ferrous metals is their malleability. |
| 5 | Ferrous metals can be oxidized. | Non-ferrous metals cannot be oxidized. |
| 6 | The usage of ferrous metals ushered in the iron age. | Non-ferrous metals are ushered in the bronze age. |
| 7 | Some ferrous metals are- vehicle scrap metal, demolition site scrap metal, metal offcuts from manufacturing industries. | Some non-ferrous metals are-aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper, brass, lead, zinc, stainless steel, electronic cable etc |
| 8 | Ferrous metals are used - cutlery, kitchen equipment, ball bearings etc. | Non-ferrous metals are used- water pipes, electrical wire, decorative goods, soft solder etc. |
| 9 | Ferrous metal includes mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and wrought iron. | Non-ferrous metals are used where their difference from ferrous metals can provide an advantage. |
| 10 | Ferrous metals make up the most recycled materials in the world | As per the recycling goes, many non-ferrous materials are relatively scarce. |
| 11 | Ferrous scrap metals tend to be in good supply. | Non-ferrous scraps are harder to come by. |
| 12 | The price of ferrous metal tends to be lower. | Prices of non-ferrous metals are greater than ferrous metals |
| 13 | Ferrous reaction- 4Fe + 3O2+ 6H2O = 4Fe(OH)3 | Non-ferrous reaction- 2 Cu (s) + O2 (g) ---> 2 CuO (s) |